We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
'Tis the season for wedding invitations galore and by default, flipping through your hangers unimpressed by last summer's dresses. If you have one or more summer weddings marked on your calendar for 2023, it may be time for some online shopping. Your favorite retailers have more than a fair share of summer wedding guest dresses, whether you're looking for a floral midi or elegant full-length dress. Regardless of dress code, you'll find a the perfect summer dress to wear while the lucky couple says "I do."
When shopping for a summer dress, weather conditions may be top of mind as most can relate to the uncomfortable feeling of sticking to a chair at an outdoor wedding ceremony. Even if it's a beach wedding and the sea breeze is providing some relief, you'll probably want a lightweight dress that breathe and has a timeless look you can repurpose for future summer events.
Here, our best summer wedding guest dresses of 2023, including petite and plus-size wedding dresses as well as affordable dresses from Amazon. You'll find strapless options, maxi styles, floral prints and more! After you scroll through our top-rated picks for the best summer wedding guest dresses, check out our round-up of the best summer dresses for women over 50, best spring wedding guest dresses and the best places to buy bridesmaid dresses. After all, love (and buying dresses) is always in season.
1
Best Overall Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Reformation Westerly Dress
1
Best Overall Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Reformation Westerly Dress
Reformation has become a one stop shop for mini, midi and maxi dresses. This full-length gown is timeless with delicate bows at the shoulders and a stretchy bodice. The side slit will keep you cool in the warmer months and either neutral color will match a variety of themes from an upscale barn wedding to an extravagant hotel reception. You can browse more looks under Reformation's Wedding Guest Dresses category on its site.
Sizes: 0-12 Colors: Caledon (pictured), Black Material: Viscose
2
Best Value Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Lulu's Plum Lace-Up High-Low Maxi Dress
2
Best Value Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Lulu's Plum Lace-Up High-Low Maxi Dress
Flowy, strapless and under $100? Sounds like the perfect trifecta for a summer wedding guest dress. Consider Lulu's the less-expensive Reformation for stylish dresses that will cost you less than half the price of the latter. One five-star review writes, "Wow — this dress fits perfectly. I don't need to make any alterations and I am truly blown away by the quality." Lulu's also has a Summer Wedding Guest category on its site for more browsing.
Sizes: XXS-XL Colors: Plum (pictured), Emerald Green, Blue, Navy Blue, Floral, Light Blush Material: Polyester
3
Best Plus-Size Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Pinup Fashion Midi Wrap Dress
3
Best Plus-Size Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Pinup Fashion Midi Wrap Dress
Attending a more casual wedding this summer? A wrap dress is the name of the game, and Amazon customers can't get enough of this affordable dress available in a range of plus sizes and over a dozen neutral colors and floral patterns. One of the 3.3k five-star reviews writes, "It’s flattering, fits well, compliments galore." In the words of the same customer: "Just buy it."
Sizes: 14-28 Colors: Green Peaco*ck (pictured), Black, Royal Blue, Purple, Floral and more Materials: Polyester, Spandex
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Wrap Dress for a Summer Wedding
ZESICA Floral Wrap Short Sleeve Maxi Dress
4
Best Wrap Dress for a Summer Wedding
ZESICA Floral Wrap Short Sleeve Maxi Dress
It's boho all around with this wrap dress available in various floral patterns. The light blue pattern pictured has a subtle ruffle on the edge, and the tie closure is great for adjusting to your desired fit — or loosening post wedding cake. Almost 25k Amazon customer reviews note how pretty this dress is for a summer wedding, but note that it can run small.
Sizes: XS-XXL Colors: Light Blue (pictured), Charcoal Black Floral, Forest Green Floral, Ivory and more Material: Rayon
5
Best Slip Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Madewell Layton Midi Slip Dress
5
Best Slip Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Madewell Layton Midi Slip Dress
Slip dresses are a versatile staple to have in your closet year-round as you can layer it up with short- and long-sleeved shirts. Come summer, though, slipping this midi on sans a layer is the way to go. A V-neckline and angular seaming make for a flattering fit. One five-star review writes, "Can’t wait for things to warm up enough to be wearing them on a weekly rotation all spring and summer long."
Sizes: 00-16 Colors: Palm Leaf (pictured), True Black, Gatehouse Green, Dried Rose, Rosy Hibiscus, Antique Purple, Whimsical Violet Material: Viscose, nylon
6
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Destination Wedding
Sachin & Babi Jessica Gown
6
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Destination Wedding
Sachin & Babi Jessica Gown
The floral pattern on this a-line and sleeveless dress exudes destination wedding — we're thinking Malibu or the Amalfi coast perhaps? Regardless of where you are heading, you'll appreciate that online reviews note the dress fits true to size, plus you can have this designer gown without breaking the bank, which is vital if you are purchasing plane tickets as well.
Sizes: 2-14 Color: Pink Floral (pictured) Material: Polyester
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Jumpsuit for a Summer Wedding
Zara Strapless Linen Blend Jumpsuit
7
Best Jumpsuit for a Summer Wedding
Zara Strapless Linen Blend Jumpsuit
So this isn't a dress, but wearing a jumpsuit to a wedding is always in style regardless of season. This linen and viscose blend jumpsuit is strapless with a wide leg to keep you looking (and feeling) cool. The square neckline and darker shade make it fancier, and we appreciate the front pockets. Although note the false back pockets!
Sizes: XS-L Color: Navy Blue Materials: Linen, viscose
8
Best Silk Guest Dress for a Summer Wedding
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
8
Best Silk Guest Dress for a Summer Wedding
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
Spaghetti straps never looked so elevated in this ankle length dress that pairs perfectly with strappy heels. A straight neckline and back slit deliver a fresh look ideal for an outdoor summer wedding. Reformation does note that the dress can run small in the hip area.
Sizes: 0-12 Colors: Tea Garden (pictured), Buena, Porcelain, Verdigris Material: Silk charmeuse
9
Cutest Summer Wedding Guest Dress
J. Crew Bow-Front Cutout Midi Dress
9
Cutest Summer Wedding Guest Dress
J. Crew Bow-Front Cutout Midi Dress
A bright on-trend pink color and an elegant bow tie make for an adorable look that can be repurposed for future parties and gatherings in the summer and spring months. Cutouts and a "floaty" skirt will keep you cool as you listen to vows and dance the night away later in the evening.
Sizes: 00-24 Colors: Fuchsia (pictured), Light Khaki Materials: Polyester, Polyamide, Elastane
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Best co*cktail Dress for a Summer Wedding
Krisa Tie Back Halter Dress
10
Best co*cktail Dress for a Summer Wedding
Krisa Tie Back Halter Dress
Lightweight and fully lined with a high neckline, this mini checks all of the boxes for a fun co*cktail dress ideal for a city wedding — even the hot pink color is named "co*cktail." At just under $200, it's on the more expensive side for a short dress but we have a feeling you'll be grabbing the dress off of its hanger all year long.
Sizes: XXS-XL Colors: Limelight (pictured), co*cktail, Azurite Material: Polyester
11
Best Petite Summer Wedding Guest Dress
ASOS DESIGN Tie Back Angel Sleeve Pleated Mini Dress
11
Best Petite Summer Wedding Guest Dress
ASOS DESIGN Tie Back Angel Sleeve Pleated Mini Dress
Sometimes sleeveless is the way to go for a summer wedding, but this dress is one of the exceptions. The angel sleeve is cute but also practical, protecting your shoulders from the sun's rays. The delicate embroidery is a pretty detail perfect for a nature-forward wedding. Looking for more petite dress styles? ASOS has a whole section on its site.
Sizes: 00-12 Colors: Cornflower Blue (pictured) Material: Polyester
12
Best Guest Dress for a Beach Wedding
& Other Stories Strappy Cut-Out Midi Dress
12
Best Guest Dress for a Beach Wedding
& Other Stories Strappy Cut-Out Midi Dress
Now 39% Off
We appreciate the self-tie spaghetti straps on this midi that makes adjusting the dress to the perfect fit as easy as a sea breeze. The side cutout is a flattering touch that will keep the air flowing as you sit by the beach. And if you are traveling far for said affair, then this dress won't take up too much space in your suitcase. Although we recommend packing a portable clothes steamer since the dress is partially made of linen.
Sizes: 0-12 Colors: Yellow (pictured), Black Materials: Rayon, Linen
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Barn Wedding
& Other Stories Linen Mini Dress
13
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Barn Wedding
& Other Stories Linen Mini Dress
Now 22% Off
Look bold in this linen mini that has subtle puffy shoulders and long sleeves that cinch at the end. A square neckline and babydoll look would pair all too well with cowboy boots for a barn-themed wedding. The tiered skirt adds a subtle flare that can be dressed up or down depending on dress code, and reworn for fall or spring adventures too.
Sizes: 0-12 Color: Red Material: Linen, Cotton
14
Best Floral Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Reformation Parma Silk Dress
14
Best Floral Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Reformation Parma Silk Dress
Slip on this red floral dress with matching heels and you're on your way with time to spare. You can dress it down, too, making the higher price tag a bit more reasonable. Plus, you can adjust the straps and feel comfortable all night long. Reformation does note that this ankle length dress isn't particularly bra-friendly.
Sizes: XS-XL Color: Admire (pictured) Material: Viscose
Who says you can't do formal without spending more than $100? Not us! A simple draped bodice with accent buttons on the side radiate elegance. One customer ordered the dress for a wedding in Cancun and absolutely loved it, leaving a five-star review. Dozens of online reviews say the dress is incredibly flattering.
Sizes: XS-XL Colors: Sage green (pictured), Teal green, Deep rose, Mustard Materials: Polyester, Spandex
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Backyard Wedding
J. Crew A-line Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
16
Best Guest Dress for a Summer Backyard Wedding
J. Crew A-line Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
Are you a fan of The Father of the Bride? Or are you just attending a laid-back backyard wedding this summer? If it's the latter, then add this twirl-able midi to your checkout cart ASAP. The fitted bodice and pink pattern are cottage-core to the tea and will have you feeling like an extra in the 1991 classic.
Sizes: 00-24 Color: Cupcakes Blush (pictured) Material: Cotton
17
Best Black Tie Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Ramy Brook Black Tatiana Gown
17
Best Black Tie Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Ramy Brook Black Tatiana Gown
The beauty of Rent the Runway is that you can rent high-end gowns for a fraction of the retail price, as is the case with this beautiful halter number. Price depends on whether you opt in to subscribe to a membership plan or rent the dress à la carte. Either way, you'll look stunning in this dress which has numerous five-star reviews, one saying it's perfect for a black tie wedding. There is only one length available, though.
Sizes: 0-12 Colors: Black (pictured) Material: Polyester
18
Best Short Dress for Summer Wedding
Lulu's Forever Your Girl Bodycon Dress
18
Best Short Dress for Summer Wedding
Lulu's Forever Your Girl Bodycon Dress
Over 3,400 online customer reviews love how flattering and simple this mini dress is. One five-star review says, "Love this dress. It's perfect summertime weather approved and really comfortable. I would order this dress in every color honestly." A wrap skirt, V-neck and princess-seamed bodice are timeless details that work for a wedding, graduation or work event.
Sizes: XS-XL Colors: Lilac (pictured), Black, Wine Red, Teal Blue, Rust Red, Plum Purple, Mauve Pink, Coral Pink, Royal Blue, White Material: Polyester, spandex
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Best One Shoulder Summer Wedding Guest Dress
PRETTYGARDEN One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
19
Best One Shoulder Summer Wedding Guest Dress
PRETTYGARDEN One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Now 26% Off
Show off your shoulders in this boho-chic dress that is available in over two dozen colors and patterns — just remember to wear sunscreen on your exposed shoulders (and everywhere for that matter)! An overall 4.1 star-rating and close to 4,000 online customer reviews almost guarantees you'll fall in love with this dress and wear it to more than one occasion.
Sizes: S-XXL Colors: Yellow (pictured), Black, Light Blue, Pink Orange Floral and more Materials: Polyester, Elastane
20
Best Satin Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Satin Knotted Midi Dress
20
Best Satin Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Satin Knotted Midi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch has really been popping off lately with its styles, and its Best Dressed Guest Collection is no exception. This sleek midi has a drapey knot for an upscale touch — without the added cost. The dress is slim-fitting and available and petite and tall sizes. The manufacturer also says it's machine washable, so you can have a shiny satin dress without the hassle of a trip to the dry cleaner.
Sizes: XXS-XL Colors: Light Blue (pictured), Dark Blue, Pink, Black, White Material: Polyester, viscose
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.